FRISCO, Texas -- The NFL is asking a federal appeals court to dismiss Ezekiel Elliott's entire lawsuit in its bid to lift an injunction that blocked the star Dallas Cowboys running back's six-game suspension over a domestic violence case in Ohio.
The league wrote in a filing Wednesday to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans that the players' union case filed on behalf of Elliott had resulted in "hopelessly doomed proceedings."
The court requested arguments from both sides over U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant's jurisdiction.
The Texas judge granted Elliott's request for an injunction while the case plays out in federal court. The NFL asked the appeals court for an emergency stay of Mazzant's ruling, and oral arguments are set for Monday.
The 22-year-old Elliott was suspended by Commissioner Roger Goodell in August after the league concluded following a yearlong investigation that he had several physical confrontations last summer with his girlfriend at the time. Prosecutors in Ohio didn't pursue the case, citing conflicting evidence.
Giants: Beckham has no regrets about TD celebration
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had little regret about the dog-like celebration that angered the team, and claims NFL rules about post-score revelry are confusing.
Beckham said Wednesday he met with unhappy co-owner John Mara to discuss his vulgar celebration in which Beckham got down on all fours and pretended to urinate like a dog after catching a fourth-quarter touchdown pass in a loss to the Eagles.
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Beckham refused to discuss his conversation with Mara. Giants spokesman Pat Hanlon said Mara also wanted it kept private.
Beckham's only regret was that the officials called a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against him.
Judging by the looks on their faces, Beckham added, the officials seemingly didn't know whether to call a penalty.
The 24-year-old superstar who feels he deserves to be the highest-paid player in the league, didn't know if his celebration was out of line.
"I don't think any of us know the rules on what you can do celebrating," he said. "They put in a new celebration thing to kind of make it seem as if players can celebrate and then you celebrate and you only have 40 seconds. So, if you celebrate for 20, you have 20 seconds to run on and kick (the extra point), so I don't really know. I don't really know how it works, but I do know going forward I have a lot better celebration" (see full story).
Colts: Luck ruled out of practice for another week
INDIANAPOLIS -- Andrew Luck's return to practice has been put on hold at least one more week.
On Wednesday, two days after explaining there was "a chance" the Indianapolis Colts' franchise quarterback could be back this week, coach Chuck Pagano ruled it out.
"He's still a week away as far as his throwing progression and things like that," Pagano said. "So we'll keep him out of practice this week and hopefully integrate him next week."
While fans reacted on social media with consternation about the latest update, the fact there is now some sort of timetable actually remains encouraging.
From the moment Luck had surgery on his throwing shoulder in January until this week, the Colts have avoided talking publicly about his progression or how soon he might suit up.
Now, it appears, Luck is getting close .
Television crews arrived early Wednesday at team headquarters, setting up shop in the parking lot for Luck's long anticipated return. A couple of hours later, Pagano dashed any hope of it happening before the team leaves for Seattle (1-2).
"Nothing changed. We said we were hopeful," Pagano said. "He's going great, there's no setback. Nothing's changed. It didn't work out" (see full story).
Browns: Top pick Garrett could practice, play this week
CLEVELAND -- Myles Garrett appears ready to move away from the stationary bike.
Cleveland's rookie defensive end is expected to practice later this week, and it's possible the No. 1 overall draft pick will make his regular-season debut on Sunday against Cincinnati.
"He's close," coach Hue Jackson said. "There's a chance he'll practice this week before the week's out, so we'll see where we are after that."
Garrett has missed the Browns' first three games with a right high ankle sprain suffered in the days before the season opener. He was on the side riding a bike alongside some other injured teammates on Wednesday as the Browns began preparations for the Bengals.
Jackson said the 6-foot-5, 275-pounder has made more progress and indicated he could make his long-awaited debut in this week's home game against the winless Bengals. Cleveland might use him exclusively in pass-rush situations.
"If he is able to play, we might not play him the whole game," Jackson said. "So we'll see how that unfolds if he's able to go. We'll find out more as we go through the week" (see full story).
Bengals: Burfict back after 3-game suspension
CINCINNATI -- During the Bengals' open locker room, linebacker Vontaze Burfict headed for the cafeteria, filled a foam carry-out box and headed straight to the trainer's room, not returning until the media was leaving.
Pressed to talk for 5 minutes after practice, he came off the field and told reporters he was first going to get a Bengals cap to wear for the occasion.
"I might be back," he said.
Eventually, he was.
"Three minutes," he said.
The Bengals' most volatile player has returned from his latest suspension, and he's not at all interested in talking about it.
His teammates are just glad he's back. Burfict is expected to start Sunday when the Bengals (0-3) play at Cleveland (0-3), needing a win to have any relevance in the AFC North race.
"He's kind of the straw that stirs the drink there," Browns coach Hue Jackson said during a conference call (see full story).
